Stepping Stones

Kristin Nelson, Stepping Stones Founder

Dear Friends,

Our founder, Gina Murdock is connected to a woman in Aspen, Kristin Nelson. Kristin is the Founder of an organization called Stepping Stones. After becoming a registered nurse and volunteering with the National Center for Mission and Exploited Children, Kristin made a commitment to build a safe space for our youth. Kristin believes that every child, given the right tools, can and will succeed. 

Seeing the challenges our youth face in accessing resources and experiences to create a healthy, happy, inspired, and productive life, Stepping Stones opened its doors and heart to create a community that fosters and facilitates self-discovery and confidence of every child. 

Under the remarkable guidance of Executive Director Kyle Crawley, the organization has grown organically through long-term, high continuity mentorship, peer support, experiential learning, and a safe environment for teens and young adults. Kyle eliminated any barriers for entry and welcomed youth in as family, encouraging ease of participation and accessibility to programming. There aren’t any formal evaluations, or applications, just a warm invitation to come sit at the dinner table and know each person is welcome and belongs. 

Often Stepping Stones is the first report of happenings in a child’s life. Could be experience of abuse, gender identity questions, use of substances – the environment allows for our youth to report and get support for the many life challenges they face. There is acceptance, and a true desire to experience life through the heart. Success isn’t a final endpoint, it is a commitment to constant growth; the range of human potential is limitless, but requires the skills, tools, heart, and belief to overcome the seemingly impossible and touch into the essence of coming alive. 

Kristin contacted Gina recently through an inspiration to create a Wellness Center at Stepping Stones. This space would allow for health and wellness classes. Gina was excited about the prospect, and thus Lead with Love committed to making it happen. The Wellness Center is complete, and now youth are engaging in a range of fitness classes including yoga, meditation, Zumba and more. Also, through a series of home visits and extended family engagements, the staff at Stepping Stones is expand the health & wellness offerings to parents who are seeking self-care and mindfulness too -- free of charge. Members of the Stepping Stones community are going through training to become certified yoga and mindfulness instructors. 

Lead with Love is grateful and inspired by Stepping Stones and the many youth & families it serves. We look forward to growing alongside one another to shift our culture from fear to love with the intent of seeing everyone tap into their optimal wellbeing, discover what each person is capable of, and find the essence of what it means to be human…...together!